Man Utd hold talks to sign £100m midfielder

Casemiro’s departure from Manchester United this summer has left a huge hole at the heart of the side, something which Michael Carrick desperately needs to address this window.

The Brazilian registered nine goals in the Premier League, with only forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko netting more goals than the 34-year-old.

Manuel Ugarte is another midfielder also set to depart Old Trafford this window after the Uruguayan international failed to deliver after joining for £50m from PSG in 2024.

Ederson appears to be the first reinforcement made by INEOS ahead of the upcoming market, as a £40m deal was agreed with Atalanta for the 26-year-old’s signature.

However, he’s not expected to be the last addition made to the midfield department – but the hierarchy may have to pick a preferred target out of their long shortlist.

Man Utd enter talks to sign £80m Premier League star

Over the last couple of weeks, United’s hunt for summer additions has ramped up – subsequently seeing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes appear on their radar.

The Portuguese international is set to leave the Hammers after their relegation this season, but any deal could cost INEOS a small fortune in the months ahead.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have placed an £85m price tag on the 21-year-old’s head, with Arsenal and Liverpool also said to be keen on landing the youngster.

Fernandes isn’t the only player currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option under huge consideration.

According to The Athletic, Man United have already entered discussions with the Eagles over the possibility of securing a move for the 22-year-old sensation.

The report states the Englishman is one of a number of targets this summer, as Liverpool and Real Madrid also continue to monitor the midfielder’s progress.

Like Fernandes, any deal could cost a small fortune this summer, as the South London outfit are demanding as much as £100m according to prior reports to offload the youngster in the months ahead.

Why Wharton would be a better signing than Anderson for United

As part of the recruitment drive to land added midfield reinforcements this summer, United have been pursuing a whole host of players – including Elliot Anderson.

The Nottingham Forest star has become one of the most in-demand talents this summer after starring at the City Ground and cementing his place at the heart of Thomas Tuchel’s England side.

The 23-year-old will represent his nation during the upcoming World Cup, but Tuchel confirmed it won’t prevent him from completing a move whilst the tournament is ongoing.

However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is a tricky customer to deal with, and is set to demand at least £105m to offload his star man ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Manchester City are another club who are closely monitoring the youngster at present, subsequently making an offer last week which has seen them take pole position for his signature.

As a result, United have turned elsewhere to try and bolster the club’s midfield, resulting in Wharton being a viable option to make a move to Old Trafford this window.

The Englishman could well prove to be a better addition than Anderson for the Red Devils – especially if he can replicate his stats from the recent campaign.

Wharton, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Statman Dave, created 1.6 chances per 90 whilst also achieving a dribble success rate of 52% in the Premier League.

Both of the aforementioned tallies are higher than those produced by the Forest star, with the former of the two figures ranking him in the top 14% of players in England’s top-flight.

Without the ball, the Palace star also managed to outperform his compatriot, subsequently making more tackles per 90, whilst also registering more ball recoveries.

Casemiro’s departure has heightened the need for an added ball-winner – a role Wharton could easily fill next term should he emulate his stats from the 2025/26 campaign.

The 22-year-old’s all-round nature with and without the ball could make him an excellent addition for United – and one that could push them closer to Premier League glory.

£80m is undoubtedly a huge amount of money to spend on such a young talent, but his current talent and potential to improve are far too big to ignore this summer.

Anderson may still be many of the supporters’ first choice this summer, but a move for Wharton could see Carrick’s side land a bigger talent for the immediate and long-term future.